Five local suspects arrested in stabbing at Santa Monica Pier

Four of the suspects are, clockwise, from top left: Araik… (Courtesy of the…)

Five people from Burbank and Glendale, including a teenager, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Saturday in connection with the double stabbing of two fishermen at the Santa Monica Pier, police said.

Witnesses reported seeing the five young suspects arguing with two fishermen, who were 43 and 30 years old, respectively, on the fishing deck at the far west end of the pier around 1:20 a.m., said Santa Monica Police Sgt. Jay Moroso.

The argument escalated and the suspects reportedly attacked the fishermen, both of whom were stabbed with one or more knives multiple times in the torso and arms, Moroso said.

Three Burbank men — identified as Araik Ovoian, 24, Gevork Bagdasaryan, 19, and Alex Akbari, 18 — and a Glendale woman, Agavni Manukyan, 21, were arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. A 16-year-old male was also arrested, but was not identified because he is a minor.

The two victims were transported to a local trauma center where one immediately underwent surgery. Both victims were reportedly in stable condition and expected to survive, Moroso said.

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Details about the argument that led to the stabbing were not available. Police did not know how many knives were used in the attack, Moroso said.

After the incident, the suspects left the fishing deck and walked east on the pier. Officers working on the pier at the time responded and detained the suspects.

The adult suspects are each being held in lieu of $1-million bail and are due in court Wednesday. The teenager was booked into juvenile hall and no bail has been set for him, authorities said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Santa Monica police at (310) 458-8451.